Siddharthnager: Indian Journalists Union (IJU) National Executive Council (NEC) meeting took place in Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh,The meeting was organized by the Working Journalists Union Uttar Pradesh (WJU). Key outcomes and discussions from the meeting include:
Key Demands
Journalist Safety Law IJU demanded the enactment of a journalists’ safety law to protect journalists from violence and intimidation.
Uniform Pension Scheme. The union called for a uniform pension scheme for journalists to ensure their financial security.
Amendment of Digital Laws: IJU urged the Centre to amend repressive digital laws that pose a threat to press freedom.Presidential Address IJU President Geetharta Pathak emphasized the importance of protecting journalism, defending free speech, and strengthening the union. He highlighted the challenges posed by new technologies like artificial intelligence and digitalization.International Partnerships Building solidarity and advocacy partnerships with international organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF)Journalist Protection Bill*: Lobbying for the pending Journalist Protection Bill.
Special Campaigns, Organizing special campaigns on climate journalism, fake news combat, and democratic rights.Global Solidarity.The meeting also expressed solidarity with journalists globally, particularly those affected by conflicts like the Israel-Gaza war.
from September 18-19, 2025. Here are the key details about the meeting : Delegates: The meeting was attended by delegates from across India and abroad, including representatives from the Nepal Press Union and the Bangladesh Press Union.
Key Demands: The IJU NEC meeting called for:
Journalist Safety Law: Enactment of a journalists’ safety law to protect journalists from violence and intimidation.
Uniform Pension Scheme: Implementation of a uniform pension scheme for journalists to ensure their financial security.
Amendment of Digital Laws: Amendment of repressive digital laws that pose a threat to press freedom.Presidential Address: IJU President Geethartha Pathak emphasized the importance of protecting journalism, defending free speech, and strengthening the union. He highlighted the challenges posed by new technologies like artificial intelligence and digitalization. One-Year Roadmap: Pathak outlined a roadmap for IJU, which includes:
National Legal Aid Cell: Establishing a national legal aid cell to support journalists facing police cases or harassment.
Safety Helpline: Launching a safety helpline for immediate reporting of attacks on journalists.
Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity-building programs for journalists.
International Partnerships: Building solidarity and advocacy partnerships with international organizations.
Global Solidarity: The meeting expressed solidarity with journalists globally, particularly those affected by conflicts. Inauguration: The meeting was inaugurated by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament, Jagdambika Pal, who assured that he would raise the issues discussed in the meeting in parliament.
